At the Hyatt Regency Atlanta mushrooms are cut to order from local grown mushroom bags he buys from Peachtree Road Farmers Market.

Sit down with Executive Chef Thomas McKeown, of The Hyatt Regency Atlanta and not only will you be intrigued by his Irish accent but also with his unwavering dedication to procuring food locally. He has shopped at Peachtree Road Farmers Market for nine years and credits it for some of his best, local-crafted, cuisine finds.

“Something that is part of our philosophy [at The Hyatt Regency] is supporting local farmers– buying organic, in-season ingredients, designing our menus around seasonality, getting out and meeting the suppliers– knowing where they’re coming from, and looking for more humanely raised proteins,” Chef McKeown said.

You can find a variety of in-season produce at PRFM including edamame grown by Rodgers Greens and Roots.

In it’s thirteenth year, Peachtree Road Farmers Market remains one of the largest producer-only market in the state– with over 50 vendors each week and a strict Certified Organic or Certified Naturally Grown policy for farmers. Producer-only means that everything at the market has been grown, raised, or made by the seller. The market’s strict policies mirrors the philosophy Chef McKeown set over seven years ago.

Opened in 1967, The Hyatt Regency, Atlanta is best recognized by the blue dome-shaped structure that sits above the revolving restaurant and lounge, Polaris. The international hotel has thousands of guests each week from all corners of the world. It is located in the heart of Atlanta and is home to two unique restaurants and one ultra-hip gastrolounge. Read through Chef McKeown’s seasonally designed menus and you’ll find odes to the market on each page.

Beet salad made with beets from Rodgers Greens and Roots.

Fairywood Thicket Blackberry Jam adds a sweet-salute to summer in Polaris’ Blackberry Bourbon Sour, while hundreds of pounds of produce from Rodgers Greens and Roots are expertly prepared each week and used to accompany dishes like Sway’s Signature Meatloaf, and Polaris’ Fried Duck Leg Confreit. That’s just two of the local vendors that Chef McKeown was first introduced to at Peachtree Road Farmers Market.

Chef McKeown has foster strong relationships with many of the market’s weekly vendors including: Pine Street Market, Spotted Trotter, Banner Butter, Georgia Grinders, Georgia Sourdough Crackers, K-Teas, Indigo Bath and Body, King of Pops, and has used each of the market farmers at different times, many of which he has a running account with. You can find these vendor’s products in the restaurants, gift shop and gastrolounge at The Hyatt Regency.

“Supporting our local farmers, supporting the local economy, it just makes sense,” said Chef McKeown. 

Ashley Rodgers of Rodgers Greens and Roots shows Chef McKeown around her farm.

He uses specialty crafted cutting boards handmade by Doc’s Woodturning, an artist at the market. He is always on the lookout for vendors selling quality products that can be sold at the hotel.

“We are working with K-Teas on a Polaris blend tea. We brought them in for dinner at Polaris to get the atmosphere and what its about and they’re developing a tea that will have dried blue flowers in the blend, for the blue dome. We are really excited about that,” said Chef McKeown.

With customers reaching up to a couple thousand each Saturday, and support from large properties like The Hyatt Regency, Peachtree Road Farmers is a high traffic market where customers a sure to find the freshest local food– just ask the farmer selling it to you.

My thinking for the series "How to Cook without a Recipe" is pretty simple - it's hard to know what to do with all that produce from the market. So many options! So many cooking techniques! So much prep time!

I don't want it to seem intimidating to come to the market, see new things you'd like to try but then get stressed out because you don't know what to do with it and it slowly turns all moldy in the fridge while you wring your hands trying to come up with a dish. That's why I think this series is important and something we can offer at the market with the grace, effort and dedication of the amazing chefs who are donating their time and skills.

Ratatouille was one of my favorite films of all times and one reason was the tagline "anyone can cook!" and that's true. There are basic skills that chefs use to come up with new and interesting dishes. It takes time and practice to become a master at it, but there are things chefs do that make cooking easier that anyone can learn. So if you've ever wanted a crash course on basic cooking techniques (ahem, for FREE) come visit us on Saturdays at 10:00am from June - August.

The even more awesome part is we're partnering with AREACH & Nourish! to provide 12 teens the opportunity to shop with the chefs at 9:00 am to help bring those skills to youngsters who are learning about healthy living and making lifelong habits that promote fitness and well being. Those teens will get an inside look into how chefs make decisions and help come up with the dish, which the chef will then demonstrate for the audience. In addition, each teen will receive $20 in market tokens to spend on fresh, local, sustainably produced fruits and veggies so they can go home and practice their new skills.

For questions about the series or if you'd like to donate or sponsor the program with AREACH & Nourish! please e-mail me at sara@peachtreeroadfarmersmarket.com

The community at the Peachtree Road Farmers Market at the Cathedral of St. Philip is adding its voice to reject the proposal of the Farm Bill in its current form. The Farmers Market Coalition has summed up the issue rather succinctly here:

"'Without mandatory funding for the Farmers Market Promotion Program, the Farmers Market Coalition cannot support this bill in its current form,' said Jen Cheek, FMC Executive Director. FMC urges congress to reinstate full mandatory funding for FMLFPP, and looks forward to a farm bill that supports independent farmers and their markets with enthusiasm."

We urge you to call your representatives and add your voice. These grants and funds help keep our small and sustainable farmers in business and provide fresh, healthy, local food available to Georgia families. Here's how you can take action:

Contact your representatives and ask them to vote no on the bill, unless full mandatory funding for the Farmers Market Promotion Program is reinstated. Click here to find contact information for your Representative, and use the sample script below to call or email them TODAY. The vote will likely take place by the end of the week, so we need to speak up now!

SAMPLE SCRIPT:

Dear Congressman/Congresswoman _______,

(IDENTIFY YOURSELF, YOUR LOCATION, AND YOUR CONNECTIONS TO FARMERS MARKETS. FOR EXAMPLE: “My name is Johnny Appleseed. I’m a resident of Atlanta, Georgia and I attend my local farmers market every week.)

As the House farm bill heads to a vote, I respectfully ask that you vote no, unless full mandatory funding for the Farmers Market Promotion Program is reinstated.

The Farmers Market Promotion Program is vital to farmers markets and the farmers who rely on them. Mandatory funding for the program needs to be preserved. Thank you.

Save the date to conquer all the shopping!

HOLIDAY ARTISTS MARKETSaturday, December 16*9:00am - 12:00pmFind gifts for you and yours from over 30 local artists, featuring hand-crafted items like fiber and paper arts, paintings, photography, jewelry, leather goods, pottery, and much more. Also, the full farmers market and live music by Alex Gordon!

Save these dates for holiday shopping...

HOLIDAY ARTISTS MARKETS (two dates!)Saturday, November 25Saturday, December 16*9:00am - 12:00pmFind gifts for you and yours from over 35 local artists, plus the full farmers market and live music by Alex Gordon!

10TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONOctober 9, 20176:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Join us at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta for an evening of local food, live music by our favorite brass band Funkcake (previously Half Assed Brass), dining, and dancing as we celebrate ten amazing years of memories.

The reception will feature chefs that have been instrumental in the success of the market over the years. This is our opportunity to celebrate Atlanta’s thriving food scene and the importance of the local sustainable movement in this region.

Attire is farmers market chic. Leave your tie and little black dress at home. Bring the whole family to have fun, dance and enjoy!

Lyft has partnered with us to get you downtown and home safe! Enter the code: PRFMATL into the "Promos" section of your app.

Thank you to Hyatt whose commitment to thoughtfully sourced and carefully served foods has supported so many of our farmers and food creators. We are honored to celebrate our 10th Anniversary with Hyatt Regency. All money raised will benefit Peachtree Road Farmers Market.

Save the date!

Mark your calendar and be sure to stop by PRFM for free skin cancer checks of easily visible skin and to discuss healthy sun habits, no appointment needed. Take care of you and yours this summer (and always)!

This week at PRFM stock up on summer favorites perfect for a Fourth party or for a low-key grill-out (or in!). Look for hot dogs and other meats, cheeses, fresh buns, arugula and other lettuces, blueberries, cabbage and carrots for your perfect slaw, cucumbers ripe for dipping, flowers to dress your table, herbs for kicking things up, zucchini ready to be kicked up, sweet peaches, juicy tomatoes, prepared dips including party-ready salsa, and pastries, just to name a few things.

And at 10:00 a.m., don't miss the Chef Demo with Aaron Russell. An all-star chef with five James Beard nominations (and a 2012 "Rising Star Chef" title), Chef Russell most recently worked as Pastry Chef at Restaurant Eugene before he and his wife opened Poor Hendrix, a casual neighborhood bar and restaurant in East Lake. In its first 6 months, the restaurant has received a 3-star "excellent" rating from Atlanta Magazine and has appeared on numerous Eater Atlanta lists. I think we can consider this chef's star to have risen, y'all. Catch this hot demo on Saturday!

The 11th annual two-hour, mouth-watering event on Saturday, June 24th, 12:30-2:30pm, has local chefs and ambitious amateurs partnering with local farmers, all working together to create unique and flavorful ice cream. "Chef + Farmers = Better Together."

What will the flavors be? You'll have to wait until Saturday, June 24th. Be ready to vote for your favorite flavors!

Advance Tickets are $15 for adults, $5 for children (5 & over) and include an all-access pass to each and every flavor!

This event is open to everyone - so bring a spoon and enjoy good, old-fashioned summertime fun! Kid Friendly!

Saturday, June 17

Whether you're whipping up a meal for dad or just picking up a few treats, PRFM has you covered! Enjoy tunes from Fiddles of November, peruse farm-fresh produce and delectable prepared foods, check out quick cooking demos by Nourish, and don't forget to stop by the Culinary Yard Sale, brought to you by The Cathedral of St. Philip Thrift House! If you love to grill and entertain all summer long, this event is not to be missed. Come see what treasures, both vintage and contemporary, await! All proceeds benefit the Thrift House and PRFM. Donations of culinary items also accepted at the sale.

Wednesday, May 10

Lead up to Mother's Day in style. Treat mom to dinner al fresco and a delicious brew from Creature Comforts at tonight's market (psst, pick up a present at PRFM, too)! Check our Facebook page for all the goodies on tap this evening.

Saturday, May 13

Grab last-minute Mother's Day items (brunch foods, flowers, jewelry, you know...) at PRFM this Saturday. And for all those mama-chefs, don't miss the 10:00 a.m. demo with super-star Kevin Gillespie, followed by a cookbook signing with both of his delicious books on offer (Fire in my Belly and Pure Pork Awesomeness).

Wednesday, May 3

Enjoy the calm before the storm with dinner and music at PRFM tonight! Check out the full list of vendors (and beer!) here.

Saturday, May 6

All those perfectly delectable spring veggies are just asking to be...soup! Join Souper Jenny herself under the Demo Tent this Saturday at 10:00 a.m. for her take on all things local, seasonal, and fresh.

Save the date (and get your tickets)!

Sunday SupperJune 11 from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m.Cathedral of St. PhilipJoin Peachtree Road Farmers Market for the 5th Annual Sunday Supper! Atlanta chefs will prepare a family-style dinner featuring local ingredients from our farmers. Enjoy festive libations and live music while supporting our Market! Tickets are $75 per person or $550 for a table of 8 and can be purchased at the Market by check/cash or onlineby credit card.

Saturday, April 298:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

This Saturday grab some spring goodies (asparagus! strawberries! carrots! sugar snap peas!), listen to live music by Jon Payne, and swing by the Chef Demo at 10:00 a.m. with Stella Dillard of Storico Fresco. An Atlanta native, Stella started her culinary career at Woodfire Grill, then crossed the pond to explore England; there, she was fascinated by neighborhood butchers who had been buying game from hunters and meat from small local farms for centuries. Back in Atlanta, she became a butcher at Holeman & Finch, later worked at One Eared Stag and Star Provisions, and now at Storico Fresco, she looks forward to sharing local, sustainable, and authentic Italian foods with fellow Atlantans. Buon appetito!

Wednesday Market Opens Today!

Every Wednesday from 4:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., take a break from cooking with food and drink from our Market vendors, occasional popup chefs, and local breweries. Prepared food is available to-go or to enjoy at picnic tables in our new shady location on the Lanier Lawn.

Enjoy local craft beer by Second Self, Creature Comforts, and Eventide. Also, live music from Half Brassed Band.

Plenty of parking and lovely new location on the Cathedral's Lanier Lawn.

Pick up a free 2017 Market canvas shopping tote!

Speaking of shopping totes...

2017 Market Bag Contest Winners!The winning design for the 2017 Country Financial reusable bag design contest - "Give, Grow and Be Green" - was announced at last Saturday's market. Three local high school art students were presented awards, and shoppers filled their new canvas totes with Market freshness!

Coming this Saturday, April 22

Celebrate Earth Day at PRFM! Stock up on all things local and delicious, enjoy breakfast and/or lunch at one of our picnic tables, and listen to live music from Half Brassed Band. And don't miss the 10:00 a.m. Chef Demo with Adrian Villarreal of Rreal Tacos for some more springtime fun! Villarreal's midtown taqueria draws inspiration from his hometown of Monterrey, Mexico, 15 years of culinary experience, and fresh, responsibly-sourced seasonal ingredients. Keep it rreal this spring, y'all.

Saturday, April 15

Celebrate with us this Saturday! It's PRFM's 10th Birthday (cake! baby farm animals!), plus we'll unveil the 5th Annual Country Financial Reusable Bag Design Contest winner (bag giveaways!), and a Chef Demo at 10:00 a.m. by our friend Thomas McKeown of Hyatt Regency Atlanta. You'll also enjoy music by Jon Payne while you pick up everything you need for your Easter feast—except for the baby farm animals, those need to go home with the farmers.

Wednesday Market Opens April 19!

Every Wednesday from 4:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., take a break from cooking with food and drink from our Market vendors, occasional popup chefs, and local breweries. Prepared food is available to-go or to enjoy at picnic tables in our new shady location on the Lanier Lawn.

Opening Day: Chef Nick Leahy of Saltyard kicks off the opening Market with a chef popup. Enjoy local craft beer by Second Self, Creature Comforts, and Eventide, and live music from 1/2 Brassed Band.

Spring has sprung, y'all. Time to buy fresh and local from your favorite PRFM farmers and vendors once again. Join us for our 11th season, beginning this Saturday (8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.)!

Enjoy the sweet sounds of Fiddles of November all morning, and check out the Chef Demo at 10:00 a.m. with Nick Leahy of Saltyard.

Whether you've been with us for 11 years or you're just breaking in your reusable shopping bags, we want you to know that PRFM is committed to building community; which is why we're excited to launch this new page on our website, dedicated to sharing all of the programs of which we're honored to be a part. Click on overto learn more about:

Peachtree Road Farmers Market is a home to so many people. Since its founding in 2007, we have become the state's largest producer-only farmers market, which means all items are sold by the farmer/maker with no reselling. Atlantans wanted farm-fresh produce, meats, and dairy, and the community supported the idea by supplying locally grown food and related products.

This year has been special as we've had another day to serve as a place for community. The addition of the Wednesday evening market series has provided all the delights of Saturday with a more casual pace. Families gather for farm-to fork-dinners and mid-week groceries, enjoying the fellowship while the kids enjoy the playground.

We continue to partner with Wholesome Wave Georgia to double food stamp benefits at the market and have provided over $23,000 in benefits. Not only does the program make healthy choices from local farmers more affordable, it keeps the money in the community. One of my favorite programs is our partnership with Meals on Wheels Atlanta. Each week we buy over 150 lbs. of fresh produce from our farmers at market close to provide food to local seniors in need. These are often the only fresh veggies the recipients receive. We are so proud to have supplied over 5,000 lbs. of fresh locally grown veggies to feed our senior community.

As our 10th season comes to a close, we are so grateful for another successful year! The market would not be possible without support from our sponsors: Country Financial, Piedmont Healthcare, Wholesome Wave Georgia, and Whole Foods Buckhead. We are grateful to our host, The Cathedral of St. Philip, our team of 31 volunteers, our farmers, vendors, and artisans. Most importantly, it is our shoppers who support the market in sun, rain, cold, and summer heat! Without your commitment to the market and to buying local, none of this would be possible.

We wish you a wonderful winter season and look forward to seeing you at our Saturday Market opening April 1-Dec 16 and our Wednesday Evening Market opening April 19-Oct 25.

By attending the Peachtree Road Farmers Market, you consent to be photographed, filmed and/or otherwise recorded. Your attendance constitutes your consent to such photography, filming and/or recording and to any use, in any and all media throughout the universe in perpetuity, of your appearance, voice and name for any purpose whatsoever in connection with the Peachtree Road Farmers Market and you waive any and all rights to any royalties, commissions or other compensation and any and all rights of publicity or privacy that you may have, now or in the future, related to the use or exploitation of such content. You understand that all photography, filming and/or recording will be done in reliance on this consent and waiver given by you by entering the Peachtree Road Farmers Market. If you do not agree to the foregoing, please do not attend the market.